TRAVEL TIPS
Austria-is a German-speaking country in Central Europe, characterized by mountain villages, baroque architecture, Imperial history and rugged Alpine terrain. Vienna, its Danube River capital, is home to the Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces. It has counted Mozart, Strauss and Freud among its residents. The country’s other notable regions include the northern Bohemian Forest, Traunsee Lake and eastern hillside vineyards.
Czech Republic-in Central Europe, is a country that’s known for its ornate castles, native beers and long history. Prague, the capital, is home to grand 9th-century Prague Castle, a preserved medieval old town and statue-lined Charles Bridge. Český Krumlov, a small town in the South Bohemia region, is notable for its wealth of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, many of which house restaurants and shops.
Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options…and plenty to consider.
Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the Schengen countries. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to the respective consulate or through their respective website. When traveling to multiple Schengen countries it is best to apply in the country of the first entry or the country you will stay the most. Austria & Czech Republic are part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.
Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You’ll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.
Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.
Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers…or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.
Packing Light: On your trip you’ll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.
Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.
Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.
Sightseeing & Activities: Once you’re on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.
Things do & see:
AUSTRIA
Vienna-Austria’s capital, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists.
Salzburg– is an Austrian city on the border of Germany, with views of the Eastern Alps. The city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right. The Altstadt birthplace of famed composer Mozart is preserved as a museum displaying his childhood instruments.
Innsbruck – capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is a city in the Alps that’s long been a destination for winter sports. Innsbruck is also known for its Imperial and modern architecture. The Nordkette funicular, with futuristic stations designed by architect Zaha Hadid, climbs up to 2,256m from the city center for skiing in winter and hiking or mountaineering in warmer months.
Zell am See- an Austrian town on Lake Zell, south of the city of Salzburg. Its Romanesque St. Hippolyte Church has a distinctive tower added in the 15th century. Trails and lifts lead to the ski slopes of Schmittenhöhe mountain. Southwest, views from Gipfelwelt 3000 panoramic platform, at the top of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, take in Hohe Tauern National Park and the looming Grossglockner
Kitzbühel-is much more than just a legendary playground for celebrities. Follow a long-distance hiking trail into the peaceful mountain scenery of the Kitzbüheler Alps and discover long-forgotten worlds.
Kaprun-is a town southwest of Salzburg in the Austrian Alps. It sits at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in the High Tauern mountains. Kaprun Castle is thought to date from the 12th century. To the south, a timber walkway leads over rushing glacial waters and through the narrow Sigmund-Thun Gorge. High mountain trails offer sweeping views of the Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden dams and surrounding Alpine peaks.
Graz- the Capital of Delight is a Styrian specialities and delicacies are not available everywhere because the Styrians enjoy eating and drinking them themselves. Graz is the capital city of the southern Austrian province of Styria. At its heart is Hauptplatz, the medieval old town’s main square. Shops and restaurants line the narrow surrounding streets, which blend Renaissance and baroque architecture. A funicular leads up Schlossberg, the town hill, to the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower. Across the River Mur, futuristic Kunsthaus Graz exhibits contemporary art.
Tyrol– is a western Austrian state in the Alps that’s known for its ski resorts, historic sites and folk traditions. The capital city, Innsbruck, surrounded by mountains, is home to Habsburg Empire landmarks like baroque-style Hofburg Palace and Gothic Hofkirche Church. The city’s symbol is the 15th-century Goldenes Dachl, a loggia topped with gleaming copper tiles commissioned by Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I.
Mödling– is the capital of the Austrian district of the same name located approximately 14 km south of Vienna. Mödling lies in Lower Austria’s industrial zone. The Mödlingbach, a brook which rises in the Vienna Woods, flows through the town. Near Achau it joins with the Schwechat.
Linz– is a city in Upper Austria, straddling the Danube River midway between Salzburg and Vienna. Baroque buildings, including Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and the old cathedral or Alter Dom, ring Hauptplatz, the old town’s main square. The riverside Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz has a major modern art collection. Across the river, the striking Ars Electronica Center focuses on society, technology and life in the future.
Klagenfurt- the eastern shore of Lake Wörthersee, is the capital city of the southern Austrian province of Carinthia. Its emblem is the Lindwurm, a winged dragon, of which there is a fountain on the main square, Neuer Platz. Nearby, frescoes and reliefs adorn the opulent 1500s cathedral. Baroque and Renaissance buildings line the narrow streets around Alter Platz, with its yellow 17th-century Old Town Hall.
Bregenz– is an Austrian city at the eastern end of Lake Constance (Bodensee). It is the capital of the state of Vorarlberg. The annual Bregenz Festival is a major event, with opera and music performances at the lakeside floating stage known as the Seebühne and the glass-front Festspielhaus. The baroque St. Martin’s Tower is topped by a huge woode
Sankt Pölten- mostly abbreviated to the official name St. Pölten, is the capital and largest city of the State of Lower Austria in northeast Austria, with 55,538 inhabitants as of 1 January 2020. St. Pölten is a city with its own statute and therefore it is both a municipality and a district in the Mostviertel.
Hallstatt– is a village on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Its 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways are home to cafes and shops. A funicular railway connects to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake, and to Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform. A trail leads to the Echern Valley glacier garden with glacial potholes and Waldbachstrub Waterfall.
Eisenstadt- is a small Austrian city and the capital of Burgenland. The grand Esterházy Palace, with its sprawling landscaped gardens, dominates the city center. The palace features treasures collected by the Esterházy dynasty and the interactive Haydn Explosive exhibition, which brings the work of composer Joseph Haydn to life. The Haydnsaal concert hall has lavish frescoes and hosts classical music performances.
Villach– is a city on the Drava River in the Austrian province of Carinthia, near the Italian and Slovenian borders. It’s known as a gateway to nearby lakes Faak and Ossiach, as well as the Villach Alps. On the main square, St. Jakob’s Church steeple has sweeping views. Nearby in Schillerpark, the Relief von Kärnten is a giant 3D scale model of Carinthia. On the outskirts, Warmbad-Villach has modern thermal baths.
Steyr- is a statutory city, located in the Austrian federal state of Upper Austria. It is the administrative capital, though not part of Steyr-Land District. Steyr is Austria’s 12th most populated town and the 3rd largest town in Upper Austria.
Krems an der Donau– is a town of 23,992 inhabitants in Austria, in the federal state of Lower Austria. It is the fifth-largest city of Lower Austria and is approximately 70 kilometres west of Vienna. Krems is a city with its own statute, and therefore it is both a municipality and a district.
Lienz– is a medieval town in the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is the administrative centre of the Lienz district, which covers all of East Tyrol. The municipality also includes the cadastral subdivision of Patriasdorf.
Wels– is a city in Upper Austria, on the Traun River near Linz. It is the county seat of Wels-Land, and with a population of approximately 60,000, the eighth largest city in Austria.
Dornbirn– is a city in the westernmost Austrian state of Vorarlberg. It is the administrative centre for the district of Dornbirn, which also includes the town of Hohenems, and the market town Lustenau. Dornbirn is the largest city in Vorarlberg and the tenth largest city in Austria.
Klosterneuburg- is a town in Tulln District in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It has a population of about 27,500. The Klosterneuburg Monastery, which was established in 1114 and soon after given to the Augustinians, is of particular historical importance.
Gmunden– is a town in Upper Austria, Austria in the district of Gmunden. It has 13,204 inhabitants. It is much frequented as a health and summer resort, and has a variety of lake, brine, vegetable and pine-cone baths, a hydropathic establishment, inhalation chambers, whey cure, etc.
Baden bei Wien– is a spa town southwest of Vienna, the Austrian capital. The focus of its main square is the Trinity Column plague memorial. Narrow surrounding streets are known for their 19th-century Biedermeier architecture. The leafy Kurpark features the Casino Baden, memorials to composers like Beethoven and Mozart, and trails leading to Kalvarienberg, a hill where the park transitions into the Vienna Woods.
Kapfenberg- with around 23,059 inhabitants, is the third largest city in Styria, Austria, near Bruck an der Mur. The town’s landmark is Burg Oberkapfenberg. Its main employer is the steel manufacturer Böhler. The town has a swimming complex, a football stadium used by the club Kapfenberger SV, and an ice rink.
Wachau World Heritage– The Wachau Valley is an Austrian region near the Danube River, west of Vienna. It’s known for its rolling hills, vineyards and fortresses. Revel in the cultural and culinary delights of the charming Wachau Trail overlooking the Danube.
Styrian vineyards-When touring the Styrian vineyards it’s hard to decide which is nicer – the cycling or the rest breaks.
National Park Hohe Tauern & Wildlife Watching-The National Park Hohe Tauern, the biggest conservation area in the Alps, is home to some extremely rare species of wild animal. With the help of the rangers from the national park you can watch them.
Four Mountains, Three Lakes-The Joy of Hiking-Visitors to one of Austria’s most appealing hiking destinations can now enjoy themselves without worrying about luggage. KAT-Walk: Experience Magnificent Peaks
The Green Ring: fabled and secret trails-Encounter mythical creatures, modern legends and mystical natural locations along the Green Ring circular trail.
The Power of Pitztal Stone Pine Trees-The people of the Pitztal have known about the soothing power of the stone pine for centuries and are more than happy to share its beneficial effects with visitors.
Wonder-full lake Weissensee-Blooming orchids, rare birds of prey, a turquoise mountain lake and deliciously prepared local fish for lunch.
Alpine Beaches-The lakes in Austria are the pure zest of life, drinking water pure and enticing, they gleam under white limestone peaks in the summer sun.
Ötz Valley – a Tirolean High-A landscape full of colours and contrasts. The Ötz Valley is Tirol’s longest side valley with a length of 67 kilometres. At the start of the valley lies the village of Haiming. The end of the valley is characterised by the largest glacier region of the eastern Alps, which can be enjoyed by visitors in both summer and winter.
Gastein Valley-Crystal clear mountain air, beautiful natural scenery and a host of outdoor activities have made Gastein a premier destination for spa and health breaks since the early 1800s.
The World’s largest Ice Caves-The World of Ice Giants brings you into the largest ice caves in the world. One of the true wonders on earth, the caves are a wondrous underground world of natural ice sculptures and formations. Discover a world of natural beauty.
St. Anton am Arlberg-The promise that your holiday dreams will come true. In winter 340 km of pistes, 200 km of off-piste and 94 lifts wait to be explored. In summer this typical Tirolean village is surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks and green meadows with brightly-coloured flowers.
Alpine Pastures-Relaxation and calm, between heaven and earth. A day of fresh air in the mountains. And, with plenty of time for unexpected discoveries, Austria is one summer holiday destination that you’d return to in a second.
Bathing Lakes in Carinthia-Carinthia is not known as “Austria’s Riviera” without reason. This South Eastern corner of Austria is blissfully warm in summer, providing excellent swimming and tanning oppurtunties at its many beautiful lakes.
Spanish Riding School-The oldest riding school worldwide, which has been practising and maintaining the classical art of riding in the Renaissance tradition of the High School for 450 years.
Vienna Boys’ Choir-The Vienna Boys’ Choir is one of the oldest boys’ choirs in the world. For nearly five hundred years it has been one of the enduring symbols of Austria.
Music festivals in Austria-Austria is world known for it’s first class music festivals and composers. It counts as a very special experience to attend one of those events, which are celebrated in great style.
Salzburg Marionette Theater-Discover the fascinating world of the Salzburg Marionette Theater and see for yourself how the master puppeteers bring to life the expertly carved puppets, captivating their audience with performances of The Sound of Music, Mozart Operas or Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Architectural Highlights Salzburg-If cities had a taste, Salzburg would certainly be sweet. This is not only because Salzburg’s most famous delicacy, the Mozartkugel, is made of the finest nougat and marzipan. It is above all because of the fairytale charm of the Baroque city and its modern architectural counterpoints.
The Sound of Music-Who can’t hum at least a few bars of ‘Edelweiss’ or ‘The Hills Are Alive’? The story of the Von Trapp family continues to resonate with fans all over the world as the popular 1965 musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer remains a beloved favourite, inspiring plenty of visits to the ‘The Sound of Music’ city.
Shopping in Vienna-is refreshingly different. Shopping streets and pedestrian zones offer luxury goods and good values – at jeweler’s shops as well as antique stores, art stores, and fashion designer boutiques.
Salzburg’s Cathedral District-The DomQuartier Salzburg was the seat of power from which the city’s prince-archbishops expanded their influence over the region. The blend of architecture, secular beauty and sacred splendor on display makes a tour of the DomQuartier a unique experience.
Hohensalzburg-Discover the more than 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress, an evidence of Salzburg’s medieval history. Take a ride or walk to the largest, fully preserved fortress in central Europe.
Castles and Palaces-Austria is filled with magnificent castles and palaces, grandiose witnesses of a bygone era. Follow the footsteps of emperors and knights and let history come alive.
Swarovski Kristallwelten-Mela at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in July and August! At every step you will find something new to delight the senses and will get in touch with Indian personalities.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague – As the capital and most famous city in the country, Prague has really come into its own and has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe. Head here and wind through the medieval streets, making sure to look up and take in the original buildings that survived WWII. Local food is a highlight here, though it’s the beer that most people come for. Climb the hill to visit Prague Castle, gaze up at the Astronomical Clock and get ready for an eccentric nightlife that is unparalleled.
Brno – Brno is a city in the Czech Republic. It’s known for its modernist buildings, like the restored Villa Tugendhat, completed in 1930 by architect Mies van der Rohe. The medieval Špilberk Castle houses a city museum, gardens and a former prison with vaulted tunnels. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul has baroque altars, a 14th-century statue of the Madonna and Child, and city views from its steeple.
Ostrava– is a city in the north-east of the Czech Republic, and the capital of the Moravian-Silesian Region. It has about 288,000 inhabitants. It lies 15 km from the border with Poland, at the meeting point of four rivers: Oder, Opava, Ostravice and Lučina.
Liberec– is a city in the Czech Republic. It is on the Lusatian Neisse and surrounded by the Jizera Mountains and Ještěd-Kozákov Ridge. It is the fifth-largest city in the Czech Republic. Liberec was once home to a thriving textile industry and hence nicknamed the “Manchester of Bohemia”
Ceský Krumlov – Situated on the Vltava River, this town is a smaller, more picturesque version of Prague. The medieval architecture and red-roofed buildings make for beautiful pictures and a casual stroll through the streets is a great way to slow down during a whirlwind trip. Many beautiful resorts are here, as well as lodges that are cozy options during the snowy winters.
Karlovy Vary– Karlovy Vary is a relaxing spa which offers hot mineral springs, fine baroque and Gothic architecture, forest walks and a lively cultural scene. There is also a castle at nearby Loket, overlooking the River Ohre.
Kutná Hora – This historical town is home to the famous St. Barbara Cathedral that is adorned with thousands of human bones. While perhaps a bit creepy, it’s really something you should see for yourself.
Pilsen –Pilsen is the birthplace of the Pilsner and the home of the original Pilsner Urquell Czech beer. Heading here makes a great day trip from Prague via bus or train. During your visit, make sure to not only tour the Pilsner factory but also check out the beer spas where you soak in a tub of beer.
Hradec Králové– is a city of the Czech Republic, in the Hradec Králové Region of Bohemia. The city’s economy is based on food-processing technology, photochemical, electronics manufacturing services and IT. Traditional industries include musical instrument manufacturing – the best known being Petrof pianos.
České Budějovice- is the capital city of South Bohemia in the southern Czech Republic. Surrounded by arcaded houses, the grand Přemysl Otakar II Square is home to the baroque Samson’s Fountain and the Town Hall with 3 spires. The Gothic-Renaissance Black Tower has views of the old town and Klet’ Mountain, southwest. Rebuilt many times, the nearby Church of St. Nicholas has baroque chapels and 3 naves.
Pardubice- is a city in the Czech Republic. It is the capital city of the Pardubice Region and lies on the river Elbe, 96 kilometres east of Prague. There is an old tower and a castle located inside the city.
Olomouc- is a city in the eastern province of Moravia in the Czech Republic. It’s known for its 6 baroque fountains and the 18th-century Holy Trinity Column, a monument adorned with religious sculptures. On Wenceslas Hill are the Gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral and the Romanesque Bishop’s Palace. The Town Hall is a former merchant’s house with vaulted rooms and an astronomical clock.
Zlín- is a city in southeastern Moravia in the Czech Republic, the seat of the Zlín Region, on the Dřevnice river. The development of the modern city is closely connected to the Bata Shoes company and its social scheme, developed after the First World War. From 1949 to 1990, the city was renamed Gottwaldov.
Havířov– is a city in the Karviná District, Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 71,000 inhabitants, making it the second-largest city in the region. Havířov lies in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia. Havířov was founded after World War II as a coal mining town.
Teplice-Šanov until 1948, is a statutory city in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic and the capital of the Teplice District. It is the Czech Republic’s second largest spa town, after Karlovy Vary.
Děčín- is a city in the Ústí nad Labem Region in the north of the Czech Republic. It is the largest municipality and administrative seat of the Děčín District. From 1938 to 1945 it was one of the municipalities in Sudetenland, then controlled by Nazi Germany.
Opava- is a city in the eastern Czech Republic on the river Opava, located to the north-west of Ostrava. Opava is one of the historical centres of Silesia. It was a historical capital of Czech Silesia. Opava is now in the Moravian-Silesian Region and has a population of more than 55,000.
Moravian Wine Region – Although you might only think of beer when you head to the Czech Republic, the Moravian Region is actually very famous for their wine. It’s a great experience to drive, bike or wander through the vineyards here. Many tours offer options for tastings while visiting the area.
Kladno– is a city in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is located 25 kilometres northwest of the capital city Prague. Kladno is the largest city in the region and has a population together with its adjacent suburban areas of more than 110,000. The city is a part of the Prague metropolitan area.
Mladá Boleslav– is a statutory city in the north of the Czech Republic, on the left bank of the Jizera river about 50 kilometres northeast of Prague. It is the second biggest city in the Central Bohemian Region and a major centre of the Czech automotive industry.
Frýdek-Místek– is a city in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. It is the administrative centre of Frýdek-Místek District. Frýdek-Místek is located at the confluence of the rivers Ostravice and Morávka in the foothills of the Beskyds near the borders of Poland and Slovakia.
Český Těšín– is a town in the Karviná District in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 24,000 inhabitants. The town is commonly known in the region as just Těšín. Český Těšín lies on the west bank of the Olza river, in the heart of the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia.
Třebíč- is a town in the Moravian part of the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic. Třebíč is a regional centre with a population of approximately 36,000. It is the administrative capital of the Třebíč District. In the age of its expansion, Třebíč was the third most important town in Moravia.
Znojmo– is a walled town in the winemaking region of South Moravia, Czech Republic. It’s known for its Romanesque Rotunda of Our Lady and St. Catherine, with frescoes featuring the town’s former rulers, and the hilltop Znojmo Castle. Cow Hill has views of the Gothic Town Hall Tower and St. Nicholas Church, home to a baroque globe-shaped pulpit. Znojmo Catacombs is a vast labyrinth of medieval subterranean corridors.
Cheb- is a town in the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic, with about 32,000 inhabitants. It is on the river Ohře, at the foot of the Smrčiny near the border with Germany.
Bohumín– is a town in Karviná District in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic, on the border with Poland. It has about 21,000 inhabitants. The confluence of the Oder and Olza rivers is situated just north of the town. The town lies in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia.
Karlstein Castle – Everyone wants to have their very own fairytale, and this castle is a great stop during your tour of the country, just a quick train ride from Prague.
Adršpach-Teplice Rocks – Hike around these natural sandstone cloisters. With names like ‘Giant’s Armchair’ and ‘Sugar Cone,’ you can’t go wrong. There are two clusters of formations: Adršpach Rock Town and Teplice Rock Town. Adventure outdoors in Krkonoše – Summer or winter, a trip to Krkonoše is a must. This beautiful mountain range, which runs along the Czech-Polish border, is the highest peak in the country. There is great hiking and cycling during the summer and skiing during the winter.
Renaissance town of Telc – Telc, with its winding cobblestone streets, is one of the most picture-perfect examples of a Renaissance town in Europe. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a fire in 1530 the town was rebuilt, so medieval arcades with their gabled houses surround the picturesque town square.
Šumava National Park- Pack your trekking gear and head to Šumava, the country’s largest national park. It is a region full of densely forested hills along the border with Austria. Feast your eyes on the scenic lakes, trout streams, areas of virgin forest, and important historic monuments.
Nuclear bunker- Located 5 stories under Prague, this museum is full of Cold War paraphernalia. The bunker was designed to house civilians during a nuclear attack, after which they would then flee into the countryside. See the Spanish Synagogue – The outside of this building may not be anything special, but the inside is incredibly ornate.
Go rafting- Just 20 minutes from Prague is a white water rafting course touted as the ultimate hangover blaster. Spend a day on the water battling the waves, followed by a barbecue lunch and a soak in a hot tub. Not a bad way to spend a day! Explore Macocha Gorge – Located near Brno, this sinkhole is an impressive 138m deep. It’s a popular tourist site in the area, suitable for both casual visitors and those who have more advanced technical caving experience. The nearby Punka caves can be explored from April-September.
Austerlitz Battlefield – The Battle of Austerlitz was one of the most decisive battles of the Napoleonic Wars, and is widely considered to be one of Napoleon’s greatest victories. It was here where he crushed the combined forces of Russia and the Holy Roman Empire, which led to the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. Periodically there are reenactments held here, perfect for the history buff!
